Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): RLS is a sleep related movement disorder that is often described as an irresistible urge to move the legs that is only temporarily relieved by moving the legs or walking. The sensations are often described as a tingling, burning, prickly, jittery or as a “creepy, crawling feeling”. People with RLS often have periodic limb movements during sleep and may have Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), a similar sleep disorder that occurs when muscles involuntarily flex or twitch during sleep, but someone with PLMD does not necessarily have to have RLS. They are two separate sleep disorders with different criteria and cause.

Prevalence:

• RLS affects 5 to 10 percent of adults.
• Unknown in children.

Types:

• Early Onset: Starts before the age of 45, producing symptoms that gradually worsen. The daily occurrence of symptoms is usually not present until the age of 40-65.
• Late Onset: Advances more quickly and occurs more often. They may occur daily from onset or progress rapidly over a period of about five years until they occur with regularity.
• Primary: Independent of other disorders but may be exacerbated by other disorders.
• Secondary: Precipitated by other disorders and resolves when the other disorders are treated.

Risk Groups:

• Women have between 1.5 and two times more of a chance of having RLS.
• All conditions that produce iron deficiency increase the risk of RLS.
• Certain medications trigger or worsen RLS such as nonprescription allergy medications, most antidepressants and major tranquilizers.